Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	January 1, 2001 (2001-01-01) in Wilmette, Illinois, United States
Headquarters	Wilmette, Illinois , United States
Products	Music albums, EPs, singles

Fall Out Boy is a rock group from the United States, established in 2001 in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, lead guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley. Emerging from Chicago's hardcore punk environment, Wentz and Trohman initially formed the band as a pop-punk side venture, with Stump joining soon after. After several changes in drummers, Hurley became the permanent drummer. Their first album, Take This to Your Grave (2003), gained underground acclaim and helped them build a loyal fanbase through extensive live performances.

With Wentz handling lyrics and Stump as the main composer, Fall Out Boy achieved mainstream success with their 2005 major-label debut From Under the Cork Tree, which included hit singles "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and "Dance, Dance". The album was certified double platinum and propelled the band into widespread recognition, elevating Wentz as a notable public figure. They received a Best New Artist nomination at the 2006 Grammy Awards. Their 2007 release, Infinity on High, debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart with 260,000 copies sold in its first week and featured global hits such as "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and "Thnks fr th Mmrs". The follow-up album in 2008, Folie à Deux, did not meet commercial expectations and garnered mixed critical responses. After issuing Believers Never Die – Greatest Hits in 2009, the band went on hiatus while members explored individual projects.

Returning in 2013 with Save Rock and Roll, Fall Out Boy secured their second number-one album along with the top 20 track "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)". That same year they released PAX AM Days, a punk-inspired EP recorded over two days with producer Ryan Adams. Their sixth studio album, American Beauty/American Psycho (2015), reached number one on the Billboard 200 and included the top-10 single "Centuries" as well as "Uma Thurman", which peaked at No. 22 on the Hot 100 chart. This was followed by their first remix album, Make America Psycho Again, featuring reinterpretations by artists such as Migos and Wiz Khalifa.

The seventh studio effort, Mania (2018), also debuted at No. 1, marking their fourth chart-topping record and sixth consecutive Top 10 release. The Mania tour included their inaugural stadium headlining performance at Wrigley Field. In 2018, they earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album for Mania. On January 18, 2023, Fall Out Boy announced their eighth studio album titled So Much (for) Stardust, which was released on March 24.

2001–2002: Early years

In 2001, friends Pete Wentz and Joe Trohman established Fall Out Boy in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Wentz had been involved in Chicago's late-1990s hardcore scene with bands including Birthright, Extinction, First Born, Arma Angelus, and the politically charged group Racetraitor. Frustrated by the scene's shift away from activism toward moshing and breakdowns, he initiated a pop-punk side project with Trohman designed to be "easy and escapist". Patrick Stump, previously a drummer for grindcore act Xgrinding processX, joined after impressing both Trohman and Wentz through acoustic performances. Although Wentz initially preferred bandmate Andy Hurley as drummer, Hurley was unavailable at that time.

The band's debut public appearance took place at DePaul University, performing alongside Stilwell and another group covering Black Sabbath’s debut album. Their sole show featuring guitarist John Flamandan and original drummer Ben Rose was described as "goofy" and "bad". Initially named Forget Me Not, they soon adopted the name Fall Out Boy—borrowed from a fictional character on The Simpsons—after an audience member suggested it during a live set. Early demos were recorded in Ben Rose’s basement before traveling to Wisconsin to collaborate with drummer Jared Logan.

The lineup saw several changes including drummer Mike Pareskuwicz from Subsist and guitarist T.J. "Racine" Kunasch. While Stump was initially reluctant to join fully, Wentz viewed the band as his route to prominence and began promoting them through early social media platforms. Sean Muttaqi of Uprising Records expressed interest in releasing a split EP featuring Hurley’s band Project Rocket. The band quickly composed material over two days to record Fall Out Boy's Evening Out with Your Girlfriend, though they were unhappy with how rushed the project felt.

During sessions to record three tracks at Smart Studios in Madison for a potential split 7-inch with 504 Plan, engineer Sean O'Keefe recommended involving Hurley. Despite being occupied recording an EP with Kill Pill in Chicago, Hurley joined Fall Out Boy for drum duties that day. Wentz later described this moment as an "a-ha" experience that transformed the group’s dynamic.

2003–2004: Initial Breakthrough and Take This to Your Grave

The group arranged a two-week tour alongside Spitalfield, but Pareskuwicz was unable to secure time off from his job, and Kunasch was dismissed as the band had grown frustrated with him. For a short period, Brandon Hamm took over guitar duties, and drummer Chris Envy from the now-defunct Showoff joined; however, both departed before the tour commenced. Hurley stepped in once more on drums, while Stump used Trohman's guitar. Most performances were cancelled, yet the band accepted any available gigs: "We'll just play wherever we can get booked. Payment? Pizza," Wentz recalled. After the tour concluded, Hurley officially became the drummer, and the band compiled three unreleased split tracks into a demo for label consideration. Their focus was on pop-punk-oriented labels, particularly Drive-Thru Records, but their showcase for its founders was underwhelming. Though offered a contract with the subsidiary Rushmore, they declined the proposal. Negotiations progressed with The Militia Group and Victory Records, while Bob McLynn of Crush Management became their inaugural manager. Returning to the studio with O'Keefe, they recorded additional material to attract label interest. Wentz felt somewhat excluded from songwriting but was convinced by Stump to remain involved.

Their early touring vehicle was a "small V6 engine running on just three cylinders," forcing them to drive slowly with the heater on despite 120-degree temperatures that melted window trim. John Janick of Fueled by Ramen discovered one of Fall Out Boy’s early songs online and reached out cold to the band, which eventually led to a deal where Fueled by Ramen financed their debut album with intentions to promote them to radio later. At that time a modest independent label, Fueled by Ramen released their first album and helped expand their audience before the band transitioned to Island Records. The group recorded ten tracks over nine days at Smart Studios with O’Keefe, often sleeping only a few hours on studio floors. As roles became more defined, Wentz concentrated on writing lyrics while Stump developed melodies, sometimes causing creative friction during recording sessions.

Their debut studio album, Take This to Your Grave, was released on May 6, 2003. Their prior release Evening Out with Your Girlfriend had come out in March 2003 amid growing momentum. The band attempted to prevent Uprising Records from releasing it due to deteriorating relations and because they no longer considered it their official debut. The fanbase steadily expanded as Uprising pushed for mainstream exposure. Wentz recalled shows ending in near-riots and some venues banning them due to crowd surges. Favorable reviews followed performances at South by Southwest (SXSW) and various tours. In summer 2004, they participated in five dates of the Warped Tour; one concert was cut short when the stage collapsed under an enthusiastic crowd. The band graced the cover of August 2004’s issue of Alternative Press, and listening stations at Hot Topic helped Take This to Your Grave sell between 2,000 and 3,000 copies weekly by Christmas 2004—marking their ascent toward mainstream recognition.

2005–2006: From Under the Cork Tree

The band garnered extensive praise and was hailed by numerous media sources as "the next big thing." Prior to working on their sophomore album, they put out the acoustic EP/DVD My Heart Will Always Be the B-Side to My Tongue, which reached number 153 on the Billboard 200. The recording of From Under the Cork Tree took place in Burbank, California, marking the first occasion the group resided in California for a prolonged timeframe, living in corporate accommodations. Unlike the hurried process of Take This to Your Grave, this album was crafted more deliberately. Stump handled all musical composition while Wentz focused exclusively on lyrics, streamlining their creative process. The band faced challenges perfecting their sound, discarding ten tracks just two weeks before studio sessions and composing eight new songs, including their breakthrough hit "Sugar, We're Goin Down".

During the album's creation, Wentz experienced a severe emotional crisis and attempted suicide in early 2005. Following hospitalization, he temporarily withdrew from the band and returned to live with his parents.

Upon its release on May 3, 2005, From Under the Cork Tree debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200. The lead single "Sugar, We're Goin Down" climbed to number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 and also charted in the UK. The subsequent single "Dance, Dance" entered the US top ten and achieved triple Platinum certification by 2014. The album's success elevated Fall Out Boy to stardom across North America, with arena tours attracting crowds of approximately 10,000 per night. Their anthems resonated deeply with teenage listeners through MySpace sharing. Extensive touring included international performances and festival appearances such as the Nintendo Fusion Tour in autumn 2005. The record earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and has sold over 2.7 million copies in the United States, becoming their highest-selling release. Additionally, "Sugar, We're Goin Down" secured an MTV Music Video Award.

2007: Infinity on High

Following their multiplatinum breakthrough, bassist Pete Wentz emerged as the band's most prominent figure, gaining visibility through his fashion brand, Decaydance label, and high-profile relationship with Ashlee Simpson. Fall Out Boy led the Black Clouds and Underdogs Tour alongside groups such as The All-American Rejects and Hawthorne Heights, spanning 53 shows across North America and the UK.

After a two-month hiatus post-tour, the band commenced writing their third studio album while continuing to tour to sustain momentum. On February 6, 2007, they released Infinity on High, their second major label effort under Island Records. This album incorporated a variety of genres including funk, R&B, and flamenco. Billboard noted a stylistic transition toward more mainstream pop sounds compared to their earlier hardcore punk influences.

The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales totaling 260,000 copies and achieved top-five rankings internationally. The initial single "The Carpal Tunnel of Love" had limited chart success; however, the follow-up "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" reached number two on both US and UK charts. Wentz explained that this track was selected for its thematic content rather than greater radio appeal. The third single "Thnks fr th Mmrs" peaked at number twelve in the US and sold over two million copies domestically while reaching number three in Australia. In 2007, Fall Out Boy ranked ninth among Top Selling Digital Artists with more than 4.4 million digital tracks sold. The album has surpassed two million copies worldwide and received Platinum certification in the United States.

To promote Infinity on High, Fall Out Boy headlined the 2007 Honda Civic Tour, supported by +44 among others. Although initially delayed due to "personal issues," the tour proceeded with additional support from acts like Cobra Starship. They also led the international Young Wild Things Tour featuring bands such as Gym Class Heroes; this tour was inspired by Maurice Sendak's children's book Where the Wild Things Are and included corresponding stage designs. The success of their amphitheater tour culminated in releasing a live album titled Live in Phoenix (2008), recorded during a Honda Civic Tour performance. This album featured a cover of a Michael Jackson song with guest John Mayer that became a fan favorite single.

2008–2009: Folie à Deux

During the recording phase, the band maintained a low profile to avoid the intense media scrutiny experienced previously. The sessions proved challenging; Stump described them as "painful," highlighting disagreements with Wentz over musical direction. Guitarist Trohman, who had felt creatively constrained on earlier records, found this project allowed for greater collaboration.

Confronted with shifts in the music industry such as declining sales and economic difficulties, Wentz initiated a viral marketing campaign influenced by Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four to promote the December 2008 release of Folie à Deux. The album entered the US Billboard 200 chart at number eight, selling 150,000 copies in its first week, marking their third straight album to reach the top ten, though it did not match the success of prior releases. It remained in the top 20 for two weeks during its 22-week presence on the chart, and also debuted at number three on Billboard's Rock and Alternative charts. Within two months, it received Gold certification from the RIAA for shipping 500,000 units.

The lead single "I Don't Care" reached number twenty-one on the Billboard Hot 100, eventually achieving double Platinum status with two million copies shipped.

To promote Folie à Deux, Fall Out Boy embarked on an extensive North American tour called Believers Never Die Tour Part Deux, though some fans responded negatively to the new songs; booing occurred during live performances, which created tension among band members during concerts. On November 17, 2009, they released a greatest hits compilation titled Believers Never Die – Greatest Hits, after which they opted for a break citing creative fatigue and disillusionment with the industry.

Speculation about a breakup emerged, but Wentz clarified that this was merely a "decompression" phase rather than an official hiatus. Their final performance before this pause took place at Madison Square Garden on October 4, 2009.

2010–2012: Hiatus and side projects

During their time apart, each member pursued solo ventures with varying degrees of success. Stump released a solo album titled Soul Punk, in which he wrote and played all instruments; during this period, he also got married and underwent significant weight loss. Despite these personal milestones, Stump encountered critical fan responses and professional struggles, but continued working as a songwriter and producer for artists such as Bruno Mars and All Time Low while exploring acting roles.

Wentz formed the electronic duo Black Cards alongside Bebe Rexha; after delays and lineup adjustments, they released an EP in 2012. Additionally, he completed his novel Gray and hosted the tattoo competition series Best Ink.

Hurley participated in several rock projects including Burning Empires and Enabler while managing his label Fuck City; he also co-founded heavy metal group The Damned Things with Trohman and members from Anthrax and Every Time I Die.

Despite individual challenges, relations among members remained positive; notably, Wentz was Stump's best man at his wedding.

The break provided an opportunity for creative renewal; Hurley remarked that it helped each member grow both personally and professionally before their reunion in 2013.

2013–2014: Revival and Save Rock and Roll

In early 2012, Stump and Wentz reunited for songwriting sessions, initially setting aside material that lacked genuine expression; subsequent collaborations yielded tracks that reflected an updated Fall Out Boy sound, emphasizing pop influences rather than revisiting earlier styles.

The band convened discreetly to organize recording plans; Trohman consented to rejoin under terms that guaranteed a more significant role in songwriting.

Their comeback album was recorded away from industry scrutiny. On February 4, 2013, they announced their return alongside details of Save Rock and Roll, clarifying this was not a reunion since the band had never officially disbanded but rather a reinvention focused on producing impactful music.

Save Rock and Roll debuted atop the US Billboard 200, selling 154,000 copies in its first week, marking their second album to reach number one. Critics viewed this return as an unexpected resurgence for a group many considered past their peak.

The lead single "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)" was released concurrently with the announcement, reaching number thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100— their highest chart position since their rendition of Michael Jackson’s "Beat It". It earned eight-times Platinum certification for over eight million sales in the US. The band also produced music videos for every track as part of The Young Blood Chronicles series between February 2013 and May 2014.

October 2013 saw the release of the hardcore punk-inspired EP PAX AM Days, recorded over two days with producer Ryan Adams, presenting a stark contrast to the polished sound of their comeback album. Additionally, they contributed a cover of an Elton John song for his anniversary reissue in March 2014.

Supporting Save Rock and Roll, the band embarked on an extensive global tour, culminating in co-headlining the Monumentour across North America with Paramore.

2014–2016: American Beauty/American Psycho

By mid-2014, Wentz confirmed ongoing collaboration with Stump on new material targeting an early 2015 release amid personal milestones such as both members welcoming newborn children.

The lead single "Centuries" premiered on September 8, 2014 via BBC Radio 1, eventually reaching number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 despite rock’s waning mainstream popularity. That year, they also featured on Steve Aoki’s EDM track "Back to Earth". Their song "Immortals" was included on Disney’s Big Hero 6 soundtrack released October 14, demonstrating their engagement with diverse audiences. Later in the year, they remixed the Chicago Bulls anthem "Only The Bulls" featuring Lupe Fiasco, released in November.

On November 24, Fall Out Boy revealed their sixth studio album title as American Beauty/American Psycho, which launched on January 20, 2015. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with nearly 192,000 copies sold during its first week—their third album to achieve this milestone. Intimate release events took place in London and Chicago that month.

By March 1, 2016, the album had attained platinum certification from the RIAA after surpassing one million units sold domestically.

Throughout early to mid-2015, they performed at Australia’s Soundwave festival along with additional shows; notably headlining Chicago’s Wrigley Field stadium in September—a significant accomplishment in their career.

On April 18, they participated in Green Day’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and performed at the Billboard Music Awards in May alongside Wiz Khalifa.

The summer months featured a co-headlining Boys of Zummer Tour across the United States with Wiz Khalifa. The European leg commenced in October with UK acts Professor Green and Matt & Kim providing support.

October also marked the announcement of the remix album Make America Psycho Again, featuring rappers collaborating on each track from American Beauty/American Psycho. Released on October 30, it included a version of "Uma Thurman" featuring Wiz Khalifa from their Billboard Awards performance.

In March 2016, Fall Out Boy was named as headliners for the Reading & Leeds Festival in the UK alongside Biffy Clyro.

2017–2022: Mania and Hella Mega Tour

On April 27, 2017, Fall Out Boy revealed plans for their seventh studio album, titled Mania, originally scheduled for a September release alongside the lead single "Young and Menace".<refs/><refs/>

The second single, "Champion", was released on June 22.<refs/>

In October 2017, they embarked on the Mania Tour throughout North America, supported by Blackbear and Jaden Smith.<refs/>

However, the album's release was postponed from September 15, 2017, to January 19, 2018, due to dissatisfaction with the initial production.<refs/>

Funds from the Houston stop were donated to aid Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.<refs/>

The third single, "The Last of the Real Ones", debuted on September 14, 2017, followed by a televised performance.<refs/>

By November 6, the band confirmed the album's completion along with the final tracklist.<refs/>

The fourth single, "Hold Me Tight or Don't", was unveiled on November 15 accompanied by a music video.<refs/>

Mania officially launched on January 19, 2018, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart—marking their fourth album to achieve this milestone.<refs/>

On February 23, an unexpected demo EP titled Llamania was released, featuring unfinished tracks.<refs/>

Later, on August 23, another EP named Lake Effect Kid appeared, including an updated demo from an earlier mixtape.<refs/>

September 2018 saw Fall Out Boy perform their inaugural headlining show at Chicago’s Wrigley Field stadium.<refs/>

On December 7, 2018, Mania received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album.<refs/>

Early in 2019, the band faced legal action concerning unauthorized use of llama puppets beyond the licensed scope from the "Young and Menace" music video.<refs/>

On September 10, 2019, they announced participation in the Hella Mega Tour—a co-headlining stadium tour with Green Day and Weezer, supported by The Interrupters.<refs/>

The lead single from their second compilation album, "Dear Future Self (Hands Up)", was released in November that year.<refs/>

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, summer tour dates were postponed to 2021.<refs/>

In August 2021, Fall Out Boy withdrew from several Hella Mega Tour performances after COVID-19 exposure within their team; however, Green Day and Weezer continued with their scheduled shows.<refs/>

2023–present: So Much (for) Stardust

On January 11, 2023, Fall Out Boy announced their lead single "Love from the Other Side", which was released on January 18 alongside news of their eighth studio album So Much (for) Stardust. The album was launched on March 24 through Fueled by Ramen/Elektra following their departure from Island Records—marking their first release with Fueled by Ramen since their debut full-length.<refs/>

Guitarist Joe Trohman declared a temporary hiatus citing mental health reasons but expressed plans to return;<refs/> meanwhile, the band performed publicly as a trio in February 2023 debuting new material live.<refs/>

Additional promotional hints emerged on January 19 ahead of the next single "Heartbreak Feels So Good", teased through a campaign featuring Nicole Kidman.<refs/>

On January 31, they announced the supporting So Much For (Tour) Dust running from June 2023 through April 2024 with Bring Me The Horizon among other acts.<refs/>

Coinciding with the album’s release on March 24, a music video continuation for "Hold Me Like a Grudge" was issued.<refs/>

Joe Trohman’s return was confirmed on May 29 following his hiatus.<refs/>

On June 5, Fall Out Boy featured in a collaboration on Taylor Swift’s re-recorded 'Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)' track "Electric Touch".<refs/>

June 28 saw them update Billy Joel’s classic "We Didn’t Start The Fire" to include events through 2023.<refs/>

December 15 marked the fifteenth anniversary of the demo "Pavlove", released in connection with the fourth studio album anniversary.<refs/>

A video for the fourth single "So Much (For) Stardust" premiered on February 28 featuring NBA star Jimmy Butler.<refs/>

In July 2025 Trohman announced a second hiatus due to recovery from hand surgery.<refs/>

August 2025 brought news of a deluxe reissue of their second studio album From Under The Cork Tree for its twentieth anniversary set for October 17 release.<refs/>

See also

Bibliography

• Issue cover .

External links

• Official site
• Patrick Stump’s official site